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Plantlife's yearly initiative No Mow May is now in full swing, with the charity urging gardeners to put their lawnmowers away and let wildflowers flourish while supporting nature.

Yet gardening expert Ciar Byrne has proposed a "Slow Mow May" approach as an alternative, noting that "it is good to mow in May, just as your lawn starts to grow long, as this will keep it healthy."

Writing in the Daily Mail, Ciar encourages fellow gardeners to save any mowing for dry days this month, and to only proceed if your lawn "looks happy".

She states: "Pick a dry day and if it looks happy cut it low. But if the soil is drying out from lack of rainfall, then leave the blades longer."

The specialist also suggests leaving one section of your garden untouched, which will help wildlife flourish right on your doorstep.

Ciar continued: "It is also nice to leave a patch long, as the contrast between areas shows your grass is cared for, while allowing wildflowers to flourish and creating a mini-haven for wildlife."

No Mow May is presently celebrating its eighth year, with Plantlife championing conservation and safeguarding the UK's countryside and wildlife.

The organisation highlights that the UK has lost 97% of its flower meadows since 1930, which offer a crucial food source and habitat for wildlife.

They consequently propose that if every garden owner across the UK commits to letting the grass grow each spring, it would genuinely benefit the nation's wildlife.

Plantlife states: "No Mow May is Plantlife's annual campaign urging everyone to pack away the lawnmower, let wildflowers grow freely and help nature from your doorstep.

"From May onwards, simply stop mowing your lawn (or even just a small part of it) and do more by doing less.

"No lawn is too small! Even the tiniest wild patch can provide vital food needed by bees and butterflies and give wildlife the best start to summer.

"Plus, less mowing will save you effort, cost, reduce your carbon footprint and give you a deeper connection to nature. It really is that simple to make a difference - from May, put the mower away!"